-- AFC East --

New England Patriots
Favorite pick: Matt Slater, WR UCLA (Round 5, pick 153) Slater is the son of Jackie Slater, one of the greatest offensive linemen to play the game, so football is in his genes. He’s been clocked at 4.4 in the 40 and is explosive in the kick return game, where he had three touchdown returns in 2007. Perfect fit for a team with limited needs.
Least favorite pick: You could make the argument that Jerod Mayo (10th overall selection, Round 1) was a bit of a reach that early, but he certainly addressed a need for the aging LB corps.  But there really wasn’t another answer, and the Pats had already traded down from No. 7.
Analysis: The Patriots used three of their five picks on either linebackers or corners, and took a flier with Kevin O’Connell from San Diego State to develop as a backup to Tom Brady. Surprising they didn’t select any offensive linemen considering how tattered the unit looked in the Super Bowl loss to the Giants.

New York Jets
Favorite pick: Has to be Vernon Gholston, (6th overall in the first round), who should be an ideal fit in a 3-4 scheme. He immediately makes the Jets “D” more athletic.
Least favorite pick: Dustin Keller (30th overall in first round). With several of the top WR’s on the board, the Jets elected to trade back into the first round to nab Keller, which was a bit of a reach.
Analysis: With all the injuries and the fact that Lavernaues Coles is getting older, the Jets passed on some of the top WR’s, who were all still on the board. Grabbing Erik Ainge in the fifth round may give them another option at QB, but the offense still seems to be in a state of flux.

Miami Dolphins
Favorite pick: Chad Henne (2nd round, 57th overall). This could go down as one of the drafts steals. Henne seems to be a perfect fit for a Bill Parcells led team and was thought to be a first round talent in the days leading up to the draft.
Least favorite pick: That Jason Taylor wasn’t swapped for more picks.
Analysis: The Tuna put his fingerprints on the organization with this smooth draft, plugging some key holes to rebuild the team with the worst record in the league last season. Grabbing Jake Long, his key chip in the offensive line, and then selecting Kentwan Balmer with the first pick in the second round should prove huge as the Fins move forward and back to respectability.

Buffalo Bills
Favorite pick: James Hardy, W Indiana (No. 41 overall, Round 2). Buffalo needed a big receiver and skipped over one in the first round, opting for CB Leodis McKelvin instead. Patiently, they waited and got Hardy, who at 6-6 should be a real threat in the red zone and provide a nice complement to Lee Evans.
Least favorite pick: Chris Ellis, DT Virginia Tech (No. 72 overall, third round) Ellis isn’t much of a run stopper and therefore may not play every down. Kind of a reach in the third round.
Analysis: If McKelvin develops into as strong a corner as he’s been projected and can give the Bills something in the return game, this could shape up as a good draft for the Bills. The team gambled by selecting a corner that early.


-- AFC North --

Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite pick: Gonna have to go with two here. Rashard Mendenhall may have been the best back in the draft, and he slid to the 23rd overall pick. He’ll be a capable complement to Willie Parker. And I loved the pick of Dennis Dixon in the 5th round (No. 156 overall). Brings back memories of Kordell Stewart and Antwan Randle-El and gives the Steelers a little versatility in its offense.
Least favorite pick: Ryan Mundy, S West Virginia (No. 194 overall, 6th round) Not really anything of need here and has battled injuries during his college career. Special teams player at best.
Analysis: Pittsburgh came away with some great picks at the top with Mendenhall and a big receiver they coveted in Limas Sweed from Texas . I think Dixon can be an interesting story to follow in 2008, especially if his ACL injury has fully healed.

Cleveland Browns
Favorite pick: Well, since they didn’t join the fun until the fourth round, there wasn’t much left for the Browns to take as far as impact players go. But they may have found one in LB Beau Bell from UNLV. (No. 104 overall). Bell will give the Browns some depth at a key position in the 3-4 defense.
Least favorite pick: Not drafting a running back. Sure, there weren’t many names left, but they could have taken a flier on someone to have a little depth behind Jamal Lewis, who isn’t getting any younger.
Analysis: Everything this season will hinge on how the play of Derek Anderson progresses. Everyone knows what happened last year, now the question is can the Browns build on that or will they regress?

Baltimore Ravens
Favorite pick: Tom Zbikowski, S Notre Dame (No. 86 overall, 3rd round). This guy is as hard-nosed as they come (he likes to box in his spare time) and should blend in quite well with a tough and physical Ravens defense.
Least favorite pick: Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware (No. 18 overall). Kind of high, but the Ravens obviously saw something in Flacco that made him a can’t miss, trading up to get their guy. QB was a need after the retirement of Steve McNair, but most observers felt they could have waited until early in Round 2 to get someone.
Analysis: Flacco probably won’t be the starter when the season gets under way, but will have some time to develop. But with a new coach and a new system all QB’s on the roster will have a period of adjustment. The defense will keep the team in games, and Willis McGahee can still stretch the chains as well.

Cincinnati Bengals
Favorite pick: Going to go with Keith Rivers (LB, USC at No. 9 overall) AND Andre Caldwell (WR, Florida No. 97 in third round). Rivers should be an immediate impact at linebacker for what has been one of the worst defenses for several years. Without a big name DE or DT available, the Bengals went with the highest rated defender still on the board. Caldwell is underrated and may have some NFL-ready skills based on the fact his older brother Reche played for the Patriots and Redskins in recent years. Plus, he could step right in if Ocho Cinco is traded or makes good on his threat to sit out.
Least favorite pick: Jerome Simpson, WR Coastal Carolina (No. 46 overall, 2nd round). This guy was a sleeper, but the second round?
Analysis: Let’s not kid ourselves. The Bengals may be able to put points on the board again this season, but they sure won’t be able to stop people from doing the same to them. They better hope they can outscore everyone, but with the possibility that Chad Johnson isn’t around, that may prove to be difficult.


-- AFC South --

Indianapolis Colts
Favorite pick: OLB Philip Wheeler, Georgia Tech (3rd round, Pick 93)
Least favorite pick: TE Jacob Tamme, Kentucky (4th round, Pick 127)
Analysis: Wheeler gives the Colts something they lack -- hard to believe I know -- and that’s a blitzing linebacker. He may only play two downs, but, for the Colts, that might be all they need. Tamme gives Indianapolis a backup to starter Dallas Clark, but, like Ben Utecht and other tight ends Indy has grabbed, how much playing time will Tamme get, especially with the three wide receiver set.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Favorite pick: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida (1st round, Pick 8)
Least favorite pick: Lack of picks
Analysis: Jacksonville feels that its one player away or so from making a run at a Super Bowl title. With Harvey they add a pass rusher off the end to help get after the quarterback. But in order to do that, the Jaguars moved up from the 26th pick to No. 8 and had to give up two third-rounders and a fourth-rounder to do so. For Jacksonville ’s sake, it  better have enough depth to overcome injuries and poor play in order to make a championship run.

Tennessee Titans
Favorite pick:  None
Least favorite pick: RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina (1st round, Pick 24)
Analysis: The Tennessee Titans, in my mind, reached too often in this draft. Yes, I like Chris Johnson and I think he’ll be a great NFL player. He possesses good speed and can catch the ball. He played both running back and wide receiver in college, and he played on special teams. But Tennessee didn’t get a big-name WR, instead electing to go with the players they drafted a year ago -- Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Joel Filani -- who’ve yet to develop.

Houston Texans
Favorite pick: LB Xavier Adibi , Virginia Tech (4th round, Pick 118)
Least favorite pick: OT Duane Brown, Virginia Tech (1st Round, Pick 26)
Analysis: With Adibi, who played collegiate at Virginia Tech as did Brown, the Texans add a LB to go with DeMeco Ryans and gives depth to a solid position. But taking Brown, who wasn’t a horrible pick, at No. 26 was a bit of a reach. He’s a notch below the premier tackles in this draft and would’ve been there in Round 2 if Houston wanted him. They should’ve traded back again, after making the earlier deal with Jacksonville , and acquired additional picks.


-- AFC West --

San Diego Chargers
Favorite pick: CB Antoine Cason, Arizona (1st round, Pick 27)
Least favorite pick: None
Analysis: It was a need pick and a safe pick, but Cason was the right pick for San Diego . He replaces Drayton Flowers, who left via free agency. The selection of LSU FB Jacob Hester in the 3rd round helps the team replace Michael Turner, who bolted for Atlanta in free agency.

Denver Broncos
Favorite pick: OT Ryan Clady, Boise State (1st round, Pick 12)
Least favorite pick: WR Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech (2nd Round, Pick 42)
Analysis: The pick of Clady was a no-brainer. The Boise State product gives Denver   an athletic lineman who should help in the running game and the team’s zone-blocking scheme. But to come back in Round 2 with Royal when there were other receivers -- Desean Jackson, Malcolm Kelly and Limas Sweed -- on the board. Yes, Royal can return kicks, but so can Jackson . But don’t expect him to make a huge impact on offense. Also, it should be interesting to see how 5th-round RB Ryan Torain fits in the running game.

Kansas City Chiefs
Favorite pick: DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU (1st round, Pick 5)
Least favorite pick: WR Will Franklin, Missouri (4th round, Pick 105)
Analysis: Picking a favorite pick for the Chiefs is difficult because there are so many. Kansas City had plenty of needs and filled most of them. But getting Dorsey at pick 5 had to be quite a bonus considering he was linked to St. Louis at No. 2, Atlanta at No. 3 and New Orleans in a possible trade up. Dorsey fills a need with the trade of Jared Allen to Minnesota . Then to get OG/T Branden Albert from Virginia at no. 17 and CB Brandon Flowers of Virginia Tech in the second round, the Chiefs did well. But, like the Denver Broncos, to take a WR, this time Franklin , when there were others available earlier in the draft that KC could pair with last year’s top pick Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs will continue to search for a complimentary wideout.

Oakland Raiders
Favorite pick: RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas (1st round, Pick 4)
Least favorite pick: Lack of picks
Analysis: Yes, Oakland has Justin Fargas, Lamont Jordan, Michael Bush and Dominic Rhodes -- though Jordan is likely to be a salary-cap casualty, but how can you not like the addition of McFadden? Considered the best player in this year’s draft, Oakland adds another young piece to its offense after last year’s top pick of QB JaMarcus Russell. But I wonder if the team would’ve been better to trade out of the pick and what kind of value it could’ve got from someone else, say Dallas , to trade down. No matter what, though, McFadden will be compared to Adrian Peterson from last year.


-- NFC East --

Dallas Cowboys
Favorite pick: CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida (1st round, Pick 25)
Least favorite pick: TE Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M (2nd round, Pick 61)
Analysis: The Dallas Cowboys acquired Pacman Jones from the Tennessee Titans for a 4th-round pick, but with concerns of Jones’ off-the-field issues and the need for help in the secondary, the addition of Jenkins, who has good coverage skills, will come in handy in the tough NFC East. Now let me clarify that the pick of Bennett in the second round at Pick 61 was great value, no doubt about it. But once again, the Cowboys fail to address the WR position. Maybe next year, where the Cowboys have already added Cleveland ’s 3rd-round pick and Detroit ’s 4th.

New York Giants
Favorite pick: FS Kenny Phillips, Miami (1st round, Pick 31)
Least favorite pick: None
Analysis: It was an obvious pick and the Giants made it. By selecting Phillips with their first-round pick, the defending Super Bowl champions filled the spot left behind when Gilbril Wilson left during free agency for the Oakland Raiders. But then the Giants followed that up by filling needs at CB ( Terrell Thomas , Southern Cal ), WR (Mario Manningham, Michigan ), LB (Bryan Kehl, BYU and Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt).

Philadelphia Eagles
Favorite pick: FS Quintin Demps, Texas-El Paso (4th round, Pick 117)
Least favorite pick: DT Trevor Laws, Notre Dame (2nd round, Pick 47)
Analysis: Demps came into the draft as the best pure cover safety and could play cornerback, giving the Eagles another solid body in the defensive backfield. Could have an immediate impact should the team look to move CB Lito Sheppard at some point.  Depending on what you read, Laws is either a 2nd-round value or 7th-round.  But everybody seems to be in consensus in saying that he overachieved in college, thus the Eagles take him with their first pick after trading out of the first-round. But to its benefit, Philadelphia acquired Carolina ’s first-round pick in 2009.

Washington Redskins
Favorite pick: WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma (2nd round, Pick 51)
Least favorite pick: OT Chad Rinehart (3rd round, Pick 96)
Analysis: I’ll say this about the Washington Redskins, Jason Campbell has no shortage of offensive weapons now. From WR Devin Thomas with their first pick to TE Fred Davis and now Kelly to go with Santana Moss, Chris Cooley and Clinton Portis, watch out.  And, oh yeah, they drafted QB Colt Brennan out of Hawaii . The Redskins, under first-year head coach Jim Zorn, could be explosive on offense. As for Rinehart, his potential has to outshine his on-the-field production. He needs to improve his technique and footwork.


-- NFC North --

Chicago Bears
Favorite pick: WR Marcus Monk, Arkansas (7th round)
Least favorite: WR Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt (3rd round)
Analysis: I wouldn’t say there was a Bears that I really disliked. In Bennett’s case, I wonder how strong a selection he was with Early Doucet still on the board. Bennett certainly produced in college, but Doucet seems better built for the pro game … Monk could be a real sleeper in the final round. He basically lost his senior year to injury and didn’t have much help from his quarterbacks before that … Marcus Harrison picks up Tank Johnson’s torch as a troubled but talented D-tackle. Let’s hope he doesn’t own any guns … The Bears were smart to start off with a tackle rather than a back. They need to improve their line if any of the skill-position upgrades are to take … By the way, which quarterback did Chicago pick up?

Detroit Lions
Favorite pick: RB Kevin Smith, Central Florida (3rd round)
Least favorite: LB Jordon Dizon , Colorado (2nd round)
Analysis: I was wondering why the team would go for Dizon in Round 2 with Smith and Ray Rice sitting there on the board. When the Lions traded for the top pick on Day 2, I called the Smith pick before Adam Schefter did. Ask my daughter … as soon as she can talk … There are undersized middle linebackers, and then there’s 228-pound Jordon Dizon. He won’t be expected to start right away, and if any scheme will work for him, it’s the Tampa 2. Still, he needs to eat some peanut butter and steak … It seems possible that the Lions could get nothing from any pick after Andre Fluellen.

Green Bay Packers
Favorite pick: TE Jermichael Finley , Texas (3rd round)
Least favorite: WR Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (2nd round)
Analysis: It looks like a jumbled class of tight ends this year, and Finley could well wind up the best. He’s also probably the most likely of the Packers’ picks to contribute right away. He might have left school a littler early, though … Nelson seemed to be a relatively late riser but was highly productive in college, especially in 2007. My only problem is that the Packers have so many receivers that it might be tough for him to find playing time. It becomes a better pick if Koren Robinson and/or Ruvell Martin get dumped … Al Harris and Charles Woodson play the bump and run well because they can handle both parts of it. We’ll see how well Patrick Lee can run … Of course we believe in Aaron Rodgers; we just also believe strongly in lots of insurance.

Minnesota Vikings
Favorite pick: QB John David Booty, USC (5th round, Pick 137)
Least favorite: none
Analysis: Injuries and losing all of his receivers limited Booty in 2007, but he was pretty darn good in 2006, including outperforming Chad Henne in the Rose Bowl. Tremendous value in Round 5 … I was ready to scold the Vikings for not going QB in Round 2, but the Booty pick made up for it. That’s a good thing, because Tyrell Johnson could prove well worth the slight move up in Round 2 … John Sullivan could step in for Matt Birk as soon as 2009 … I’d be lying if I said I really knew anything about Jaymar Johnson.


-- NFC South --

Atlanta Falcons
Favorite pick: LB Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma (2nd round, Pick 37)
Least favorite: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College (1st round, Pick 3)
Analysis: I’ll grant that it’s arguable, and eventually we’ll find out for sure. However, I have no doubt that the No. 3 pick should have been Glenn Dorsey. Ryan’s good, but I don’t think he’s special … No matter what the coaches say, Keith Brooking can’t stay in the middle too much longer. If they insist on keeping him there this season, at least maybe Lofton can take over next year … I’m not sure I can get behind the choice to only end up making one of three second-round selections, even if the trade did net Sam Baker in Round 1. Will he be worth the price for a team with so many holes? … Robert James could be a sleeper at linebacker, but he’ll have to find a role. His best bet might be to challenge Stephen Nicholas on the weak side.

Carolina Panthers
Favorite pick: TE Gary Barnidge, Louisville (5th round, Pick 141)
Least favorite: waiting until Round 7 for an end
Analysis: Barnidge improved his reception and yardage numbers each year in college. His strength as a shorter-area guy should fit well with a receiving corps that can stretch the field … The Carolina team doctor reportedly handled Jonathan Stewart’s toe surgery, so the Panthers knew when they could expect him back. Long-term, he should certainly be their best player from this class and possibly the most productive back from the entire class … The team’s biggest need was clearly at defensive end, so waiting until the final round to select one was ludicrous.

New Orleans Saints
Favorite pick: DT Sedrick Ellis, USC (1st round, Pick 7)
Least favorite: K Taylor Mehlahf, Wisconsin (6th round, Pick 178)
Analysis: It’s easy to choose a team’s first-round pick, but the Saints aren’t far from contention. That makes trading up to grab a guy you really want a more sensible move, especially when that guy grades out so close to Dorsey … Tracy Porter could start right away. It’ll probably be a bad sign for the secondary if he doesn’t … Spending any draft pick on a kicker is useless, unless you’re kind enough to do it within the first two rounds so that people can laugh at your for years thereafter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Favorite pick: DT Dre Moore , Maryland (4th round, Pick 115)
Least favorite: CB Aqib Talib , Kansas (1st round, Pick 20)
Analysis: Don’t get me wrong: I absolutely think that Talib is a very good player, possibly the best corner in this draft. However, when a big part of a corner’s success seems to be gambling on the ball, how well does he really fit zone coverage? I think the Bucs could have waited on a corner … Moore is a talented player who didn’t quite realize his full potential in college. The fourth round seems like just the right time to take a chance on a guy like that … Jeremy Zuttah seems to be a very good interior blocker, but he could have a tough time breaking the lineup with recent high draftees Davin Joseph and Arron Sears at guard and the team’s top 2008 free-agent signee, Jeff Faine, at center.


-- NFC West --

  Arizona Cardinals
Favorite pick: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State (1st round, Pick 16)
Least favorite: RB Tim Hightower, Richmond (5th round, Pick 149)
Analysis: I won’t say that Hightower was a bad pick where the Cardinals took him, but the book on him is that he’s a straight-line runner who seeks contact. The problem is, he’s not that big. The other problem is, the Cards would benefit from a bigger speed threat to pair with Edgerrin James … I like DRC here because he doesn’t have to start right away. It would be good if he beats out Eric Green, but he doesn’t need to … Complaints about Kenny Iwebema seem to center on technique at the point of attack. Moving from end to 3-4 outside linebacker should mitigate those … Calais Campbell was a good value pick at 50th overall.

St. Louis Rams
Favorite pick: DE Chris Long, Virginia (1st round, Pick 2)
Least favorite: none
Analysis: A second-straight first-round favorite … (groan) … Long fills a big need and offers Jim Haslett scheme versatility by being able to rush from a standup or three-point stance. He could also slide inside on passing downs … Like most folks, I raised my eyebrows at Donnie Avery being the first receiver off the board. He has tremendous speed and enjoyed a heck of a senior season, though. This receiver class has no gimmes … Keenan Burton brings strong value as a late fourth-rounder, and Justin King was worth a shot in that round, too … Roy Schuening handled second-round tackle Trevor Laws, among others, at the Senior Bowl. He could see the lineup soon.

San Francisco 49ers
Favorite pick: G Chilo Rachal, USC (2nd round, Pick 39)
Least favorite: DL Kentwan Balmer , North Carolina (1st round, Pick 29)
Analysis: Guard became an even more immediate need when David Baas tore his right pectoral muscle last week. Rachal seems like a high-character guy who entered the draft to financially support his sick mother … I don’t like the first-round gamble on a one-year wonder in Balmer, especially one who doesn’t have an immediate starting position. The Niners needed someone like former Auburn end Quentin Groves at rush linebacker. Although they could have had Groves again at 39, Rachal makes more sense than Balmer … Reggie Smith seems likely to settle in as a free safety.

Seattle Seahawks
Favorite pick: DT Red Bryant, Texas A&M (4th round, Pick 121)
Least favorite: K Brandon Coutu, Georgia (7th round, Pick 235)
Analysis: In case you didn’t read what I wrote earlier, I think a kicker is a wasted draft pick. That goes double when you’ve already bothered to sign one via free agency … Bryant got approximately no attention throughout the draft season, but he was a dominant run stopper in college. The Seahawks have plenty of pass rushers, so plugging the run lanes will help and will take the pressure off Marcus Tubbs to return from his latest injury … John Carlson’s best season came in a loaded Irish offense in 2006. Otherwise he didn’t accomplish a whole lot in college. He looks like a big reach with the trade up to 38.


Reports contributed by Mike Hicks, Matt Schauf and Marc Pruitt